[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO MR. JITEN SHAH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRETT GUTHRIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jiten Shah for 
his service to western Kentucky. He has effectively served as the 
Executive Director of the Green River Area Development District (GRADD) 
since 1987, where he has worked to create economic opportunity for this 
mostly rural region.
  Recently, Federal Computer Week recognized Mr. Shah as one of the 
magazine's Federal 100 of 2009. This award recognizes the top 
executives from government, industry, and academia who had the greatest 
impact on the government information systems community in 2008.
  Mr. Shah was the driving force for the creation of ConnectGRADD, 
Inc., a regional broadband internet network. This extraordinary 
enterprise brought affordable, high-speed wireless Internet to a rural 
seven county region, which is larger than the state of Delaware. Mr. 
Shah developed the plan and built the coalition of support to make this 
project a reality.
  By providing a united vision and strong advocacy, Mr. Shah helped 
level the playing field for the 212,000 residents of these seven 
counties. Now, this region is in a better position to spur economic 
development and entrepreneurship among its residents.
  Mr. Shah's outstanding effort is an example for all Kentuckians to 
follow. I thank Mr. Shah for his commitment to the people of western 
Kentucky.

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